Oh doubt, the destroyer of men (and women), the crippler of faith, Satan, you go by many names.
You are so subtle.
How are we supposed to deal with doubt? Or better yet, are we ever supposed to listen to doubt?Because, when doubt comes, it always feels justified, natural.
Doubt is different than questioning. Doubt feels terrible. We think if we engage with doubt we will find clarity (that is its promise). But doubt only leads to more doubt.
Questioning is: “maybe I shouldn’t drive recklessly.” It’s not doubt to be aware of the cause and effect / law based world we live in.
Doubt is: “I know that I’ll never find the partner/relationship I want.”
Doubt masquerades as rationality. But in reality, doubt is the only reason there is any merit in this world for any action. Without doubt, life would be simple. You would see very clearly that you will get everything that you want. You would have no doubt about why you want what you want, or whether it is holy/appropriate/worthy. You would walk through life, with extreme patience and calm, relaxed, and in love, as all that you wanted formed around you.
Doubt stands between you and all that you want. Doubt is the voice that says: “I want this, it is good (in the most objective sense of what we can ascertain…or at least not bad), but I don’t think I should/can have it/do it/ make it/ etc.”
Doubt is the reason you are unhappy, unfulfilled, hopeless, etc. It is the reason you are sick. It is the reason you are suffering.
I feel it now, as my fingers flow over this keyboard. “What are you writing this blog for? Do you know how much content like this there already is…who are you to think that you can do it?”
“We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?” — Marianne Williamson